Description

The Dogue de Bordeaux also called the French Mastiff and sometimes called the Bordeaux Bulldog is a short, stocky mastiff with a huge, heavy, broad, wrinkled head. The head is a very important feature when evaluating this breed. Top quality show males have a head circumference of 27-30 inches (68-75cm). The jaw is undershot and powerful. The Dogue should always have a black or red mask that can be distinguished from the rest of the coat around and under the nose and including the lips and eye rims. The nostrils are very open. The muzzle should be at most the lower jaw. The skin on the neck is loose, forming a noticeable dewlap. In general, the skin is thick. The ears hang down. The body is thickset with a short, straight topline and a gentle rounded croup. The front legs should be straight and heavy-boned. The straight tail begins thickly at the base and then tapers to a point. It should not reach lower than the hocks. The short soft coat comes in shades of fawn to mahogany with a black or red mask. White markings are allowed on the tips of the toes and on the chest, but white on any other part of the body is a fault.

Origin

There are numerous hypotheses about the origin the Dogue de Bordeaux. It may be descended from the Greek and Roman Molossus, from mastiffs brought to Europe by the Alans, from the dogs of Aquitaine or from Spanish dogs from Burgos. The Dogue de Bordeaux has had many uses over his long history. The breed has served as a war dog, and flock guardian, and as a combatant in dog gladiator sports where he was pitted against bulls, bears and other dogs. At the end of the middle ages, he became a cattle driver and personal bodyguard. During the French Revolution, many dogs who tried to defend their noble master's estates were killed. Luckily, enough interest remained in the breed to guarantee its continued existence. Raymond Triquet and his French Dogue de Bordeaux Club saved the breed. The Dogue de Bordeaux is now thoroughly established in France and gaining popularity in other countries. There are currently around 3000 Bordeaux in the United States. The breed is recognized by the FCI, but is not yet recognized by the AKC.

Temperament

Breeders have softened the temperament of this dog quite a bit from his original ferocity. Today the Bordeaux has a good and calm temperament. It is extremely loyal, patient and devoted to his family. Fearless and confrontational with strangers, he is a first class watch and guard dog. This breed can be very aggressive with other dogs. Socialize very well with other animals from an early age. The Dogue de Bordeaux snores and drools. Males will not tolerate other males. Despite his fearsome appearance, the Dogue de Bordeaux is gentle with children and family members. However this is a powerful animal, and is not suitable for an inexperienced dog owner. As of a few years ago a Dogue de Bordeaux puppy cost approximately $1200-2000.

Height

Height: 23-30 inches (58-75cm)

Weight

Weight: 120-145 pounds (54.4-65.2kg)

Known Health Problems

The Dogue de Bordeaux is not an easy dog to breed. Litters are generally small. Cesarean sections are often needed at birth because of the puppies extremely large heads. The dams are so broad chested that they often lie on their stomachs to nurse their pups, sometimes squashing them. Breeders must watch out vigilantly for the pups or some will probably be lost. Females can be very protective of their puppies.

Conditions for Living

This breed will do okay in an apartment if it is sufficiently exercised. They are very inactive indoors and will do okay without a yard.

Exercise Requirments

walk.

Life Expectancy

About 10-12 years.

Grooming

Very little is needed. This breed is an average shedder.

Group

Mastiff